OS commerce is gaining visibility and popularity among new online business owners. But those just starting to get involved in an online business solution may not be aware of what OS commerce actually is. Understanding what OS commerce is, the benefits and drawbacks, is all important in making the right shopping cart decision for your company. Before you jump into this unbelievably free shopping cart software, know the facts.

OS stands for open source. Basically, open source software is software that is developed, used, and licensed by the public. Everyone is involved in its development, from web developers to programmers to the users themselves. The fact that those using the shopping carts are involved in its evolution makes open source software often the most feature rich shopping cart software available.

OS commerce is typically thought of as a company, which it is. OScommerce is one brand of open source shopping cart software. However, there are others. ZenCart, Agora Cart, and Comersus Cart are all OS commerce shopping cart software systems.  Of the four OS commerce shopping carts, OScommerce is the most commonly known. However, other OS commerce shopping carts may be better for your online business.

The obvious advantage of OS commerce shopping cart software is that it is free. Another advantage to OS commerce is that as the user you have the ability to give input and help shape the shopping cart software into something that is truly remarkable and easy to use for all online businesses. Not only do you get to use premium software for free, you also get to be involved in something that is shaping the e-commerce industry.

There are some disadvantages to OS commerce shopping cart software as well. Because the software is constantly in a development phase, you are pretty much left on your own to set up the software, and maintain it. If you aren’t good with computers or technical jargon, you may want to stay away from OS commerce shopping cart software. On the other hand, most of the OS commerce shopping cart software websites offer many forums as well as question and answer boards for you to get help in implementing the shopping cart software.

Just as with any shopping cart software, OS commerce brands differ in usability, features, and service. If one OS commerce brand has better features, but another will offer you more help in setting up and maintaining the shopping cart, you are probably better off with the one with less features. Consider all of the options, and make sure that the OS commerce shopping cart software that you choose is right for you and your online business.